Is a PgDip in Social Work seen as a failed MA by employers?

[poorincashrichinlove]

Sorry, I started this thread in 'Education' then thought it might be better here

I'm considering not doing the dissertation on my MA Social work course, so I would graduate with a PgDip, which would still qualify me to register with the HCPC. However, I'm worried that potential employers would view my PgDip unfavourably compared to MA and BA graduates.

I have 2 primary age DCs and work part-time (evenings and weekends). I have what I think is a good idea for a research based dissertation, but I feel so completely overwhelmed by it all. I am meeting with my supervisor this week, but haven't managed to come up with much of a draft for her to give me feedback on.

If there are any Social worker/Managers or academics that could advise me if I would be giving myself a disadvantage or not by not doing a dissertation even though I have a BSc. and have had a paper published in a peer reviewed academic journal I'd really like to hear from you

[Miffytastic]

Hello I can't help you on the employer side of things but I am sort of an academic in this area. I'd say I suppose it depends what you want to do I future...is academic stuff likely? If so a dissertation would be good. If you just want to go into practice, maybe less so? But if you have an idea and can get some support for it, then why not go for it....? Yes it's full on and a big piece of work can feel overwhelming but maybe break it into chapters/chunks think of it as a few smaller essays.
What's your idea? Feel free to PM me if you like.

[Impostersyndrome]

First of all well done for getting so far with you've got going on in our life. I'm not in your field, so cannot comment on the PgDip, but have you the option of going part time and doing the dissertation over the next year? That's how I did my masters, while working full time and it made things so much easier, with the added benefit of having more time to get the ideas to mature.

[Finallyonboard]

Just do the diss, it's not that long really and you'll have the full MA! Having an MA will open doors.

[poorincashrichinlove]

I'm doing the diss. Just needed to break through my self imposed barriers. Thanks all

[Miffytastic]

Yay! Good luck with it

[cashewnutty]

No they don't care. I didn't complete my Masters. No-one asked, no-one cared. Employers only want your SW diploma.

[rosebiggs]

A pgdip is a higher qualification than a BA